Mayor Asfour’s resignation will take effect on Thursday (May 11), with an Extraordinary Meeting of Council held to vote for a new Mayor.
The mayor, who was eyeing off a seat in the NSW Legislative Council earlier this year, withdrew as the Labor candidate, despite being cleared of any wrong doing after an investigation into allegations concerning himself, Canterbury Bankstown Council staff and its processes, and some of his work trip expenses.
A spokesman for the Mayor said at the time that the relentless leaking against him and smearing of his good character, had taken a huge toll on those he loves.
Mayor Asfour said it wasn’t an easy decision to relinquish his leadership, because of his love for the City, but it would enable him to pursue business and other interests with his wife, Sally.
“The time is right, and I am feeling good about this,” Mayor Asfour said.
“It is just not possible to pursue my future career and business aspirations, while leading the City as its Mayor.
“I always thought I’d be in the top job for about 10 years … but circumstances like council amalgamations and Covid prolonged my stay as the community needed strong leadership during uncertain times.
“I was entrusted to be their voice and to speak out … and they appreciated it.”
Mayor Asfour was first elected as Councillor of the former Bankstown City Council in 2004 and held the role of Deputy Mayor from 2008-11. He also served as Mayor from 2011-14 and again in 2015.
In 2017, he was elected as the inaugural Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown. He also sat on the Board of Local Government NSW and was Vice President of the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils.
As Mayor, he has been dedicated to building stronger ties between the council and the community; sporting groups and associations; service clubs; registered clubs; and businesses across the City.
“I would like to thank the community for the trust they bestowed on me to lead them and the council over so many years,” Mayor Asfour said.
“We’ve stuck together through many highs and a few lows.”
Mayor Asfour said he was proud of the achievements he fought for, including building the new Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre, construction of the new Western Sydney University in Bankstown, championing Smart City technology, investing in infrastructure like accessible playgrounds and upgrading town centres. He is equally proud of the council’s fiscal record, ensuring we are one of the better performing councils across NSW.
He was also passionate about bringing the community together, while supporting local charitable organisations and the council’s own Meals On Wheels Service.
Mayor Asfour will remain a Councillor representing the Bankstown (Darani) Ward.
“I will continue to serve this great City as a Councillor and intend to advocate on important issues when necessary,” he said.
The Extraordinary Meeting of the council will be at the Bankstown Council Chambers at 7pm on Thursday (May 11).
